Programs like Success by 6 help get students ready to start school. Program founder Stephanie Byrd said children who go to preschool are more likely to graduate from high school and go to college and are less likely to end up in criminal trouble.

“There's no way that we wouldn't want to invest in the early years, based on that return on investment. The costs are not even comparable -- $7,000 a year or upwards of $25,000 a year for one year of incarceration,” Byrd said.

The new program could be a public-private partnership with churches involved too.

Crossroads Community Church has already pledged $150,000 to Preschool Promise.

“Hopefully we can get them caught up, but some don't, so that preschool experience is so very important,” James said.

There isn’t a timetable, curriculum or funding yet to get the program going.